Experience the magic of the holiday season in St. Petersburg, FL, where a range of festive events awaits both locals and visitors. Begin with the St. Petersburg Christmas Tree Lighting, an enchanting tradition that illuminates the city center, uniting the community in a heartwarming ceremony.
For a rare winter wonderland in sunny Florida, don't miss Snowfest, which brings real snow for all to enjoy. Meanwhile, Holiday Lights in the Gardens turns the Florida Botanical Gardens into a mesmerizing display of over one million LED lights, celebrating nature and the holidays in an eco-friendly fashion.
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The Top Christmas Events in St. Petersburg
- St. Petersburg Christmas Tree Lighting
- Snowfest
- Jingle Bell Run
- Christmas at Sunken Gardens
- The Pier's Holiday Market
- Christmas Light Maze & Market
- Tampa Bay Snow Show
St. Petersburg Holiday Light Displays
St. Petersburg Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-wide countdown and simultaneous tree illumination
Description:
St. Petersburg's annual tree lighting ceremony transforms the city into a twinkling spectacle. Residents and visitors gather for a community-wide countdown, culminating in the simultaneous illumination of a towering evergreen. This tradition dates back to 1923 when the first public Christmas tree was erected in the city center. You can join local choirs in singing carols as the tree bursts to life. The event showcases the city's commitment to unity and celebration, bringing together people from all walks of life to usher in the holiday season.
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St. Petersburg Christmas Tree Lighting
Christmas at Sunken Gardens
What to Expect:
Holiday decorations integrated with century-old tropical plants
Description:
Christmas at Sunken Gardens offers a tropical twist on holiday decorations. This 100-year-old botanical attraction adorns its lush landscapes with twinkling lights and festive ornaments, creating a unique juxtaposition of holiday cheer and exotic flora. Visitors can explore winding paths lined with illuminated century-old plants and holiday displays. The event pays homage to the gardens' rich history, which dates back to 1903. You'll encounter Santa amidst palm trees and poinsettias, offering a distinctly Floridian holiday experience.
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St. Petersburg Holiday Markets and Shopping
The Pier's Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Waterfront holiday market with local artisans and performers
Description:
The Pier's Holiday Market transforms St. Petersburg's iconic waterfront into a bustling bazaar of seasonal delights. Local artisans and craftspeople showcase their unique creations, offering visitors a chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts. The market features live performances by local musicians and street artists, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. This event celebrates the city's rich artistic community, a tradition that dates back to the early 20th century. You can sample locally-made holiday treats while browsing handcrafted goods, all with the stunning backdrop of Tampa Bay.
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Christmas Light Maze & Market
What to Expect:
Elaborate light maze combined with a holiday market
Description:
The Christmas Light Maze & Market combines an intricate illuminated labyrinth with a festive shopping experience. Visitors navigate through a complex maze of twinkling lights, discovering hidden surprises and photo opportunities along the way. The adjacent market features local vendors selling artisanal goods and holiday treats. This event draws inspiration from European Christmas markets, bringing a touch of Old World charm to Florida. You can challenge yourself to solve the maze's puzzles before indulging in some holiday shopping, creating a multi-faceted evening of entertainment.
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St. Petersburg Holiday Giving Opportunities
Jingle Bell Run
What to Expect:
Charity run with participants wearing jingle bells
Description:
The Jingle Bell Run combines fitness, fun, and philanthropy in a unique holiday event. Participants don festive attire and jingle bells, creating a symphony of tinkling sounds as they run or walk the course. This lively race supports local charities, continuing St. Petersburg's long tradition of community giving. Runners can compete in various categories, including a costume contest for the most creative holiday-themed outfits. The event culminates in a post-race celebration featuring local food vendors and live music, fostering a sense of community spirit.
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St. Petersburg Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Tampa Bay Snow Show
What to Expect:
Professional winter sports demonstrations in Florida
Description:
The Tampa Bay Snow Show brings the thrill of winter sports to the Sunshine State. Professional athletes demonstrate their skills in snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating on specially constructed ramps and surfaces. Visitors can watch jaw-dropping aerial stunts and precision performances, typically unseen in Florida's warm climate. The event also offers introductory lessons in winter sports, allowing attendees to try their hand at these cold-weather activities. This unique show celebrates the athleticism and artistry of winter sports, bridging the gap between tropical and arctic experiences.
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St. Petersburg Other Holiday Activities
Snowfest
What to Expect:
Real snow experience in Florida
Description:
Snowfest brings a touch of winter wonderland to sunny Florida. This unique event blankets a designated area with real snow, offering a rare opportunity for Floridians to experience a white Christmas. Children and adults alike can build snowmen, engage in snowball fights, and sled down specially constructed hills. The event pays homage to the 1977 freak snowfall in Tampa Bay, the only recorded instance of snow in the area. The crisp scent of pine mingles with the tropical air, creating an unforgettable sensory experience.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Lights in the Gardens (Largo)
What to Expect:
Botanical garden transformed into a holiday light spectacle
Description:
Holiday Lights in the Gardens transforms the Florida Botanical Gardens into a dazzling nocturnal paradise. Over one million LED lights illuminate the diverse flora, creating a unique fusion of nature and artistry. Visitors can stroll through themed areas, each showcasing different aspects of Florida's natural beauty. The event honors the gardens' commitment to conservation, using energy-efficient lighting throughout. You'll discover hidden light sculptures depicting local wildlife among the illuminated pathways. This eco-friendly display marries holiday cheer with environmental consciousness.
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Enchanted Christmas (Clearwater)
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday-themed installations and performances
Description:
Enchanted Christmas elevates the holiday experience with interactive installations and live performances. This immersive event features a series of themed vignettes, each telling a different holiday story. Visitors become part of the narrative as they move through elaborately decorated spaces. Professional actors in period costumes bring Christmas tales to life, inviting audience participation. The event draws inspiration from St. Petersburg's rich theatrical history, dating back to the early 20th century. You can step into a life-sized snow globe or help elves in Santa's workshop, creating lasting memories.
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Christmas Under the Oaks (Clearwater)
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration set among historic oak trees
Description:
Christmas Under the Oaks celebrates the holiday season amidst the natural beauty of St. Petersburg's ancient oak trees. The event takes place in a historic park, where centuries-old oaks are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, local food vendors, and artisanal crafts beneath the sprawling canopy. This celebration pays homage to the city's natural heritage, highlighting the importance of these majestic trees in the local ecosystem. You can participate in guided nature walks that combine holiday cheer with environmental education.
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Winter's Wonderland (Clearwater)
What to Expect:
Indoor winter-themed playground and activity center
Description:
Winter's Wonderland brings the joys of a snowy season to sunny Florida through an innovative indoor experience. This climate-controlled space features a variety of winter-themed activities, from ice skating on synthetic ice to building structures with artificial snow blocks. The event incorporates educational elements about winter ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors can try their hand at ice sculpting or enjoy a simulated Northern Lights display. This unique attraction offers a cool respite from Florida's warm climate while celebrating the diverse experiences of winter around the world.
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Gulfport Holiday Hoopla (Gulfport)
What to Expect:
Quirky, art-focused holiday celebration in a historic waterfront district
Description:
Gulfport Holiday Hoopla infuses the season with artistic flair and coastal charm. This eclectic celebration takes place in Gulfport's historic waterfront district, known for its vibrant arts scene. Local artists transform the streets into an open-air gallery, showcasing holiday-themed installations and interactive art pieces. Visitors can participate in unconventional activities like a "ugly sweater" parade or a holiday-themed sand sculpture contest. The event honors Gulfport's bohemian spirit and rich maritime history, dating back to the late 19th century. You can create your own holiday artwork at various craft stations scattered throughout the district.